Spa System

ABSTRACT

A spa system includes a reservoir having a side wall and a bottom defiling a spa cavity. The side all defines an upper portion heaving an upwardly-opening cavity. The upper portion of the side wall further includes a channel from the cavity providing drainage of fluid from the cavity. A fluid circulation system includes a powered pump and a plurality conduits connected to fluid outlets/jets in the spa cavity. The side wall includes at least one upwardly-opening channel above a waterline in the spa cavity. A light is positioned in the channel to provide indirect lighting for users of the spa system. The channel has an open portion configured to drain fluid splashed into the channel back into the spa cavity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/855,579, filed on Oct. 31, 2006, entitled SPA SYSTEM, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spas/hot tubs have been increasingly popular in recent years due to the relaxing and invigorating affect of spas. Spas typically include a tub-like structure configured to retain water and support one or more users in a seated or semi-reclined position. A plurality of jets provide a relaxing massage-type experience for the user. In addition to the pumps and jets and related components that provide for water movement, attempts have been made to include additional features such as sound systems and the like in spas to enhance the user's experience. However, the range of additional features has been somewhat limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a spa system including a reservoir defining a generally upright side wall having inner and outer surfaces and a bottom portion closing off a bottom of the reservoir. The side wall and the bottom define an upwardly-opening spa cavity configured to retain fluid and to receive one or more users. The side wall defines an upper portion having an upwardly-opening cavity and a channel from the cavity providing drainage. The spa system further includes a fluid circulation system including a powered pump and a plurality of fluid outlets/jets in the spa cavity of the reservoir. A plurality of fluid conduits connect the powered pump to the fluid outlets. The side wall of the reservoir includes at least one upwardly-opening channel above a waterline in the spa cavity. The channel has an open portion that drains fluid splashed into the channel back into the cavity. An upwardly-facing light is positioned in the channel to provide indirect lighting for users of the spa system.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic isometric view of a spa according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the spa of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the spa taken along the line III-III; FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, isometric view of a portion of the spa of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged isometric view of a portion of the spa of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With reference to FIG. 1, a spa system 1 according to one aspect of the present invention includes a primary structure 2 having an outer side wall 3 having a generally quadrilateral shape in plan view. An inner side wall 4 forms a reservoir 5 that retains fluid such as water 6. A plurality of water jets 7 are positioned in the seat areas 8 formed by inner side wall 4. A pump 9, heater 10, filter 11, and tubing system 12 provide pressurized water to the jets 7 and recirculate the water 6 in a known manner. The water jets 7, pump 9, heater 10, filter 11 and tubing system 12 are conventional spa system components, such that these features will not be described in detail herein. Also, the primary structure 2 has a polymer or fiber-reinforced construction of a type that is generally known to those skilled in the art.

The spa system 1 also includes a plurality of speakers 13 that are operably connected to a receiver/CD player 14. Each speaker 13 is mounted in a recessed area 15 at a corner 16 of the primary structure 2, and one or more lights 18 are mounted in the recessed areas 15 adjacent speakers 13. A plurality of recessed drink holders 17 are located in the upper portion 19 of primary structure 2. As discussed in more detail below, each recessed drink holder 17 includes a light 18 and drain features to prevent retention of water in the drink holders 17. The speakers 13 and receiver/CD player 14 are preferably marine-type components having reduced susceptibility to water and moisture damage.

Inner side wall 4 includes a plurality of concave surfaces 25 forming a generally upright portion of the seat areas 8. Vertical ridge surfaces 26 are formed between the concave surfaces 25. A plurality of upwardly opening grooves or channels 30 extend along upper portions 31 of primary structure 2. One or more upwardly-facing lights 18 are positioned in each groove or channel 30.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each groove or channel 30 includes a base surface 32, and inner and outer side surfaces 33 and 34, respectively. Inner side surfaces 33 is formed by a raised ridge 29, and outer side surface 34 is formed on the side of an outer wall section 27 having a generally horizontal upper surface 23 and an outer surface 24. The primary structure 2 forms a cavity 28 for routing of wires 40 to lights 18. The upwardly facing base surface 32 is a convex curved surface having a high center portion 35 and lower end portions 36 and 37. The light 18 is mounted at the higher center portion 35. The groove or channel 30 acts as a drain, and water that is splashed into groove or channel 30 drains away from the high center portion 35 towards the lower ends 36 and 37, and out the ends 38 and 39 into the reservoir 5 of primary structure 2. The height of the raised ridge 29 diminishes at the lower ends 36 and 37 of groove or channel 30, and blends into the face surface 32 of groove or channel 30 at the ends 38 and 39, such that water flows freely from the ends 38 and 39 into reservoir 5.

The lights 18 are mounted in the base surface 32 of grooves or channels 30, and face upwardly. The raised ridge 29 substantially blocks the lights 18 from a direct line of sight to a seated user, thereby providing an indirect lighting effect. Also, light from the lights 18 illuminates the outer side surface 34, and thereby provides additional indirect lighting. Lights 18 are mounted in apertures 41 in base surface 32, and a waterproof fitting 42 or the like prevents entry of water into the cavity 28. With further reference to FIG. 4, speakers 13 are mounted in recessed areas 15 at corners 16 of primary structure 2. Recessed area 15 includes a curved side wall surface 45 having a corner 46. A light 18 is mounted in the side wall surface 45 at corner 46, and faces outwardly away from the reservoir 5. Thus, light 18 at corner 16 is substantially blocked from direct view by a seated user by the raised ridge 47 formed between the corner 46 of side wall 45 and concave surface 25. An outer ridge 50 is formed between side wall surface 51 and outer surface 52 of primary structure 2 at corner 16. U-shaped drains 53 are formed between side walls 45 and end portions 54 of side wall surface 51. The base surface 55 of U-shaped drains 53 is preferably lower than bottom surface 56 of recessed area 15 to thereby drain water out of recessed area 15 and away from speaker 13. Upper surface 57 of outer ridge 50 is preferably at about the same height as upper surface 23 to provide a pleasing appearance, and also provide a generally flat upper surface for use by occupants of the spa system 1.

With further reference to FIG. 5, a cavity 60 with side walls 61 forms a recessed drink holder 17. Side wall 61 has a generally circular shape in plan view, and includes a radiused upper edge 62 that smoothly blends into upper surface 23 of primary structure 2. Ridges 64 and 65 extend upwardly from base surface 63 of cavity 60 and support a glass, can or the like above light 18. Ridge 64 is preferably in the form of a step having an upper surface 66 that extends horizontally from the side surface 61, and a generally vertical side surface 67 extending between the upper surface 66 and base surface 63. Ridge 65 includes a generally vertical concave inner surface 68, and a convex outer surface 69 and a generally flat upper surface 70. Grooves or openings 58 and 59 are formed between the ridges 64 and 65 to provide drainage for water away from the light 18. A light 18 is mounted in the face surface 63 proximate the center of cavity 60. A channel 71 extends between the cavity 60 and reservoir 5. Base surface 72 of channel 71 is preferably the same height or lower than the base surface 63 of cavity 60, such that water drains from cavity 60 into reservoir 5.

In use, a can, bottle, glass, or other such beverage container may be positioned in the drink holder 17, with the drink being supported on the ridges 64 and 65. The drink is held in place by the side surfaces 61 of cavity 60. The raised ridges 64 and 65 provide a stable support surface for the drink, and hold the drink container in a position wherein the lower surface of the drink container is positioned above the light 18. Also, it will be apparent that light 18 provides indirect lighting for users when a drink container is not positioned in the drink holder. Also, the grooves 58 and 59 between the ridges 64 and 65 along with the channel 71 provide for drainage for water that is splashed into the cavity 60 of drink holder 17 back into reservoir 5. Still further, with reference back to FIG. 1, drink holders 17 may be positioned in upper surface 23 of primary structure 2 in an area directly adjacent generally vertical ridges 73 adjacent concave surfaces 25 forming seating areas 8.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the speakers 13 are an optional feature of spa system 1. The recessed area 15 at corners 16 may include a pair of raised ridges that are substantially similar to the ridges 64 and 65 of drink holder 17. Thus, if spa system 1 is configured without speakers 13, recessed area 15 forms a drink holder having a shape that is substantially similar to the drink holder 17.

The spa system 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of lights providing additional visual interest to users of the spa system 1. A plurality of drains are configured to drain water away from the lights and speakers, while simultaneously providing an indirect lighting effect adjacent the lights. The drains for the lights blend smoothly into the seating areas of the spa, thereby contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the spa system 1.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

1. A spa system, comprising: a reservoir defining a generally upright side wall having inner and outer surfaces and a bottom portion closing off a bottom of the reservoir, the side wall and the bottom defining an upwardly-opening spa cavity configured to retain fluid and receive one or more users; a fluid circulation system including a powered pump and a plurality of fluid outlets in the spa cavity of the reservoir, and a plurality fluid conduits fluidly connecting the powered pump to the fluid outlets; the side wall including at least one upwardly opening channel above a waterline in the spa cavity, the channel having an open portion configured to drain fluid from the channel into the cavity; and a light positioned in the channel to provide lighting for users of the spa system.
 2. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the side wall defines an upper edge, and the channel is positioned adjacent the upper edge of the side wall.
 3. The spa system of claim 2, wherein: the inner Surface of the side wall includes a step-like portion with an upwardly facing surface that forms the channel.
 4. The spa system of claim 3, wherein: the channel includes a central portion and opposite end portions, wherein the central portion is higher than the opposite end portions such that water drains from the central portion to the opposite end portions.
 5. The spa system of claim 4, wherein: the light is positioned in the central portion of the channel.
 6. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the channel includes a base surface and side surfaces having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile.
 7. The spa system of claim 6, wherein: the light is mounted to the base surface and faces upwardly.
 8. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the light defines a light-transmitting outer surface; a side wall of the channel extends upwardly adjacent the light and defines an upper edge, wherein the upper edge is above the light-transmitting outer surface of the light.
 9. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the side wall has four straight portions defining a generally quadrilateral shape in plan view, and wherein: each straight portion includes at least one upwardly-opening channel and a light positioned in each channel.
 10. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the side wall defines an upwardly facing surface having at least one upwardly opening beverage-retaining cavity having a lower surface, the lower surface having an upwardly extending portion, and including: at least one light in the cavity proximate the upwardly extending portion of the lower surface.
 11. The spa system of claim 10, wherein: the light defines an outer surface, and the upwardly extending portion of the lower surface is above the outer surface of the light.
 12. The spa system of claim 10, wherein: the beverage-retaining cavity has side walls having a generally cylindrical inner surface.
 13. The spa system of claim 12, wherein: the side wall includes at least one upwardly-opening channel therethrough to the spa cavity to provide drainage for the beverage-retaining channel.
 14. A spa system, comprising: a reservoir defining a generally upright side wall having inner and outer surfaces and a bottom portion closing off a bottom of the reservoir, the side wall and the bottom defining an upwardly-opening spa cavity configured to retain fluid and receive one or more users; the side wall defines an upper portion having an upwardly-opening cavity and a channel from the cavity and providing drainage of fluid from the cavity; and a fluid circulation system including a powered pump and a plurality of fluid outlets in the spa cavity of the reservoir, and a plurality fluid conduits fluidly connecting the powered pump to the fluid outlets; an audio speaker positioned in the cavity.
 15. The spa system of claim 14, wherein: the audio speaker comprises a first audio speaker; the side wall has a generally quadrilateral shape in plan view and includes four corners, each including an upwardly-opening cavity and a drainage channel; and including: an audio speaker positioned in each of the upwardly-opening cavities.
 16. The spa system of claim 15, wherein: the upwardly-opening cavity defines a bottom surface, and the channels define lower surfaces that are below the bottom surfaces of the upwardly-opening cavities.
 17. The spa system of claim 15, wherein: at least one of the channels extends from the upwardly-opening cavity to the outer surface of the side wall of the reservoir to drain fluid out of the spa system.
 18. The spa system of claim 15, wherein: each corner includes two drainage channels extending from the upwardly-opening cavities to the outer surface of the side wall of the reservoir.
 19. A method of making a spa system, comprising: providing a plurality of spa tubs, each having a side wall with an upper edge having an upwardly-opening cavity and a drainage channel extending from the cavity, each upwardly-opening cavity having a bottom surface having an upwardly extending portion; providing a plurality of audio speakers; mounting audio speakers in some of the upwardly-opening cavities. 